Dental Technology

DIAGNOdent®

A dental cavity can cause problems long before we can see it. At Smile Shoppe Pediatric Dentistry, we know that the earlier we can detect a dental cavity, the better. If left untreated, hidden decay can destroy the tooth structure beneath the surface of the tooth. That’s why we proudly offer dental cleanings with DIAGNOdent®.

DIAGNOdent® is a non-invasive laser scanner that can find the slightest hint of decay or weakened areas within your teeth. The pain-free scan takes only minutes and allows us to accurately find dental caries before they harm the tooth from the inside out.

How Does DIAGNOdent® Find A Dental Cavity?

During your regular dental cleaning, we will use the DIAGNOdent® pen to scan each tooth without additional x-rays. With each scan, the results tell us whether there is decay within the tooth. If detected, we will discuss your treatment options and next steps.

Sedation dentistry can help many young children who suffer from high anxiety or are too young for invasive treatments. At Smile Shoppe Pediatric Dentistry, we provide safe and effective drugs that can help relax your child during treatment.

Experience Gentle Dentistry with WaterLase

"No Shot. No Drill. No Fear."

At Smile Shoppe Pediatric Dentistry, we think going to the dentist should be fun. Instead of scary drills and and shots, we use the WaterLase dental laser for as many procedures as possible. WaterLase combines water, air and light energy for exceptionally gentle care. With WaterLase, we often don’t even need to use anesthetic!

Why Do We Choose WaterLase?

WaterLase offers our little patients a better overall experience. Using just water, air, and light, it is a more natural, biologically centered treatment. The laser is extremely accurate and generates no pressure, causing less trauma to the teeth and gums. WaterLase also conserves more healthy enamel than conventional dental drills.

Our office uses WaterLase for many procedures, including:

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Frenectomy (“Tongue Tie” or “Lip Tie” Release)

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Fillings on baby teeth

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Removal of tooth decay

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Treatment of soft tissue ulcers

What Is a Tongue or Lip Tie?

According to the National Institutes for Health, the incidence of ankyloglossia (tongue tie) is between 4% and 10%. Tongue and lip tie can prevent older children from chewing age appropriate foods, or cause speech delays and impediments.

Tongue and lip tie are both caused by a tight frenulum, a cord of tissue connecting one oral structure to another. The tightness prevents proper freedom of motion, making everything from swallowing, to eating, to speaking more difficult. A safe, simple procedure called a frenectomy "releases" the restriction of the tissue – freeing your child's mouth to function normally.

State-of-the-Art Treatment for Tongue Tie and Lip Tie

Frenectomy treatment tends to be highly effective. At Smile Shoppe, we treat tongue and lip ties with advanced WaterLase technology!

If your baby is not gaining weight, or if you are suffering acute pain from breastfeeding, it may be a sign of tongue or lip tie. Frenectomy often immediately solves breastfeeding woes for mother and baby in cases of tongue or lip tie.

The earlier tongue and lip tie are treated, the better. Call Smile Shoppe Pediatric Dentistry today and ask about gentle treatment with WaterLase.

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